Blending volume reducing device

ABSTRACT

A blending system is disclosed herein. The blending system may comprise a blender base, a container and a blending volume reduction device. The blending volume reduction device may be removably inserted into the container of the blender system at various positions. The positions may alter the working volume of the container when the blending volume reduction device is inserted in the container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/038,041 (filed Aug. 15, 2014, and entitled“BLENDING CONTAINER VOLUME REDUCING DEVICE”), U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/083,659 (filed Nov. 24, 2014, and entitled“BLENDING CONTAINER VOLUME REDUCING DEVICE”), and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/175,773 (filed Jun. 15, 2015, andentitled “BLENDING SYSTEM”), the entireties of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD

This technology relates to blending enhancement tools, and morespecifically, to a blending volume reducing device for a blenderassembly.

BACKGROUND

Blenders are used to prepare food items by performing a blendingoperation on food stuff. A blender can include a container for receivingfood and a blade assembly that is rotatable to blend the food receivedwithin the container. The blending container can comprise a workingvolume that is defined by the volume of space within the container thatis generally exposed to the blade assembly. In other words, the workingvolume is the volume of space within the container where food may bereceived and blended.

Sometimes, food items such as spices are placed in the container of ablender in order to be ground and incorporated into the other blendedfood. However, the working volume of the container is often larger thanis optimal for the food item to be ground. For example, if not confinedto a smaller volume, whole spices like peppercorns, cloves, etc., maybounce around the container during the grinding operation or coat thewalls of the container. The spices will not be focused by the blades andextra spices may need to be added to get a preferred grind and yield.

Similarly, other foodstuff may be placed in the container of a blenderin order to be blended. However, the working volume of the container isoften larger than is optimal for foodstuffs to be blended. For example,if not confined to a smaller volume, it may take longer than isdesirable to blend a smoothie or any other kind of foodstuffs.

Further, in moderate to high liquid ratio blending recipes, theefficiency of breaking down ingredients and/or increasing temperaturerise may be slowed due to ingredients jumping and splashing around alarge blending area. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the blendingvolume to decrease the time to heat the ingredients or otherwise justblend them.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in orderto provide a basic understanding of some example aspects described inthe detailed description.

A blending system may comprise a container comprising a cavity, a bladeassembly comprising a blade, the blade disposed within the cavity, and ablending volume reduction device operatively insertable within thecavity to alter a working volume of the container. The working volumemay be defined by the volume of space within the cavity that is exposedto the blade. In an aspect, the blending volume reduction device maycomprise a cover member configured to contact at least a portion of aninner wall of the container. In another aspect, the cover membercomprises at least one aperture. The blending system may comprise a plugmember configured to selectively cover the at least one aperture.

According to an aspect, a blending volume reduction device may comprisea handle. The handle may be removably attached to the blending volumereduction device. In another aspect, the handle may comprise a handlecover portion that may selectively cover at least a portion of anaperture of the blending volume reduction device. The handle maycomprise a length. The length of the handle may be adjustable. Inanother aspect, the handle may comprise an engagement member configuredto engage with an engagement member of a container. The blending volumereduction device may be held in a position when the engagement member ofthe handle engages with the engagement member of the container. Ablending system may comprise a lever member comprising a handle that isoperatively, hingedly attached to the container, wherein the lever maybe configured to transfer force to the handle to alter a position of theblending volume reduction device.

In an aspect, the perimeter of the blending volume reduction device maymechanically nest with an intermediate perimeter of the container. Forinstance, the blending volume reduction device may be friction fit withthe container. The blending volume reduction device may comprise a sealmember disposed about at least a portion of the perimeter of theblending volume reduction device. In an aspect, the seal may allow athreshold amount of air to pass therethrough and may generally preventspillage of foodstuff

A blender is described herein. The blender may comprise a base, acontainer, the container and a blending volume reduction device that maybe inserted within the container, the blending volume reduction devicemay comprise a cover member having a perimeter. The base may comprise amotor. The container may comprise a closed end with a side wallextending upwardly from said closed end and terminating at an open end.In an aspect, the perimeter of the blending volume reduction device isconfigured to contact the side wall, and wherein the blending volumereduction device is positionable between the closed end and the openend. In another aspect, portions of the side wall may be generallyparallel therewith and/or may comprise zero-slant walls. The perimeterof the blending volume reduction device may be similar in shape to aninner perimeter of the side wall of the container. For instance, thecontainer may comprise at least one rib protruding from the side wall.The perimeter of the blending volume reduction device may comprise arecessed portion or a slot that may mate with the at least one rib.

The blender may comprise a stop that may prevent the blending volumereduction device from contacting a blade assembly. For instance, thecontainer may comprise at least one protrusion extending from the sidewall, the protrusion may prevent the blending volume reduction devicefrom being inserted past a determined length. In another aspect, theblending volume reduction device may comprise at least one shield memberextending from the cover member, wherein when the blending volumereduction device may be inserted into the container, the shield memberextends from the cover member towards the side wall. The shield membermay comprise a curved surface that faces an axis of the container whenthe blending volume reduction device is inserted in the container.

A blending volume reduction device for use with a blending container isdescribed herein. The blending volume reduction device may comprise, acover member comprising a main body, at least one side wall extendinggenerally perpendicular from a perimeter of the main body, and a sealmember extending from the at least one side walls, wherein the sealmember is configured to form a seal with the container when the blendingvolume reduction device is inserted in the blending container. Inanother aspect, the blending volume reduction device may comprise ahandle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentdisclosure are better understood when the following detailed descriptionis read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a blender assembly, inaccordance with various disclosed aspects;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the blender assembly of FIG. 1, in accordancewith various disclosed aspects;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the blender assembly of FIG.1, comprising a blending volume reduction device, in accordance withvarious disclosed aspects;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the blender assembly of FIG. 1 comprising theblending volume reduction device, in accordance with various disclosedaspects;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a blender assemblycomprising a blending volume reduction device and shield members, inaccordance with various disclosed aspects;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional, top view of the blender assembly takenalong line 6-6 in FIG. 5, in accordance with various disclosed aspects;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the blender assemblycomprising a blending volume reduction device comprising acircumferential shield member, in accordance with various disclosedaspects;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional, top view of the blender assembly takenalong line 8-8 in FIG. 7, in accordance with various disclosed aspects;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a blender assembly with a blendingvolume reduction device comprising a curved surface, in accordance withvarious disclosed aspects;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a blender assembly with a blendingvolume reduction device comprising a handle, in accordance with variousdisclosed aspects;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a blending volume reduction device, inaccordance with various disclosed aspects;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a blender assembly with ablending volume reduction device comprising a handle, in accordance withvarious disclosed aspects;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the blender assembly of FIG. 12with the blending volume reduction device and further comprising a leverin a first position, in accordance with various disclosed aspects;

FIG. 14 is another front perspective view of the blender assembly ofFIG. 12 with a blending volume reduction device comprising a handle anda lever in a second position, in accordance with various disclosedaspects;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged side perspective view of the blender assembly ofFIG. 12 with the blending volume reduction device comprising the handleand the lever coupled to a blending container, in accordance withvarious disclosed aspects;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the handle of FIG. 12 coupled toa blending volume reduction device, in accordance with various disclosedaspects;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the handle of FIG. 12 coupled toa blending volume reduction device with an exposed aperture, inaccordance with various disclosed aspects;

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a U-shaped handle coupled to ablending volume reduction device, in accordance with various disclosedaspects;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a blender assembly and theU-shaped handle of FIG. 18 coupled to a blending volume reduction deviceand inserted in a container, in accordance with various disclosedaspects;

FIG. 20 is a front view of a blender system including a blending volumereduction device operatively attached to a lid, in accordance withvarious disclosed aspects;

FIG. 21 is a front view of a blender system including a blending volumereduction device operatively engaged with stops of a blending container,in accordance with various disclosed aspects;

FIG. 22 is a side and front prospective view of a blending volumereduction device including flow impeding members, in accordance withvarious disclosed aspects; and

FIG. 23 is a side and front prospective view of another blending volumereduction device including flow impeding members, in accordance withvarious disclosed aspects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference tothe accompanying drawings in which example embodiments are shown.Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts. However, this disclosuremay be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed aslimited to the embodiments set forth herein.

It is noted that the various embodiments described herein may includeother components and/or functionality. It is further noted that whilevarious embodiments refer to a blender or a blender system, variousother systems may be utilized in view of embodiments described herein.For example, embodiments may be utilized in food processor systems,mixing systems, hand-held blender systems, various other foodpreparation systems, and the like. As such, references to a blender,blender system, and the like, are understood to include food processorsystems, and other mixing systems. Such systems generally include ablender base that may include a motor, a controller, a display, a memoryand a processor. Further, such systems may include a container and arotating assembly, e.g., a blade assembly, which may be configured tomanipulate, mix, agitate, or otherwise blend a product. The bladeassembly, the container, and the blender base may removably orirremovably attach. The container may be powered in any appropriatemanner, such as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/213,557, entitled Powered Blending Container, which is herebyincorporated by reference.

Foodstuff may be added to the blending container. Furthermore, whileblending of “ingredients,” “contents” or “foodstuffs” is described byvarious embodiments, it is noted that non-food stuff may be mixed orblended, such as paints, epoxies, construction material (e.g., mortar,cement, etc.), and the like. Further, the blender systems may includeany household blender and/or any type of commercial blender system,including those with covers that may encapsulate or partiallyencapsulate the blender. Further, commercial blender systems may includean overall blender system, such as a modular blender system that mayinclude the blender along with other components, such as a cleaner,foodstuff storage device (including a refrigerator), an ice maker and/ordispenser, a foodstuff dispenser (a liquid or powder flavoringdispenser) or any other combination of such.

Moreover, blending of foodstuff or ingredients may result in a blendedproduct. Such blended products may include drinks, frozen drinks,smoothies, shakes, soups, purees, sorbets, butter (nut), dips or thelike. It is noted that various other blended products may result fromblending ingredients. Accordingly, terms such as “blended product” or“drink” may be used interchangeably unless context suggests otherwise orwarrants a particular distinction among such terms. Moreover, such termsare not intended to limit possible blended products and should be viewedas examples of possible blended products.

In an embodiment, the blender assembly may include a blending containerand a blade assembly. The blending container may comprise a pitcher,bowl, cup, or other general shape. It is noted that the blendingcontainer may be configured for single serving use, commercial use,multi-serving use, or the like. The blending container may include or becoupled with (e.g., removably or irremovably) a blade assembly. Theblade assembly may include one or more blades having one or more wings.

Embodiments describe a blender assembly or system. In an aspect theblender assembly may comprise a blending volume reduction device asdisclosed herein. It is noted that the blending volume reduction devicemay comprise various materials. For instance, a blending volumereduction device may comprise materials, such as food grade plastics,metals, rubbers, and the like, such as polyesters, copolyester (e.g.,TRITAN), or the like. It is further noted that embodiments may includemetal, wood, glass, or other materials.

With reference now to the accompanying drawings, a blender assembly 10is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 that comprises a container 12 forreceiving food for blending, a blade assembly 14 for blending thecontents (e.g., foodstuff) received within the container 12, and ablender base 16. The container 12 may comprise an axis X, a top innerperimeter 18, a bottom inner perimeter 20, and an intermediate innerperimeter 22 located generally between top inner perimeter 18 and thebottom inner perimeter 20. The top, bottom, and intermediate innerperimeters 18, 20, 22 all generally circumscribe the axis X of thecontainer 12. As shown in the present example, an internal, radialcross-sectional area of the container 12 can become smaller along theaxis X of the container 12 from the top to the bottom of the container12. However, in other embodiments, the internal, radial cross-sectionalarea of the container 12 can be constant along the axis X; or theinternal, radial cross-sectional area may become generally smaller alongthe axis X of the container 12 from the open end (e.g., top) to theclosed end (e.g., bottom) of the container 12. The container 12 furthercomprises a working volume 26 that is defined by the volume of spacewithin the container 12 that is exposed to the blade assembly 14 orotherwise may comprise contents to be blended by the blade assembly 14.In other words, the working volume 26 is the volume of space that foodmay be received within the container 12 for blending.

The blender assembly 10 can further comprise a blending volume reductiondevice 30, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The blending volume reductiondevice 30 comprises a cover member 32 that can comprise an aperture 34extending therethrough and a plug member 36 removably inserted in theaperture 34. The blending volume reduction device 30 is configured to beremovably inserted into the container 12. The blending volume reductiondevice 30 is further configured such that when the blending volumereduction device 30 is positioned in the container 12, the blendingvolume reduction device 30 reduces the working volume 26 of thecontainer 12. In an aspect, the working volume 26 may be cut offgenerally horizontally, with respect to the axis X. In an aspect, anon-working volume 27 may be divided from the working volume 26, and maybe defined by a volume between (e.g., above) blending volume reductiondevice 30 and a lid (not shown) or an open end of the container 12.

More specifically, the blending volume reduction device 30 comprises anaxis Y and the cover member 32 can comprise an outer perimeter 38 thatcircumscribes the axis Y and generally matches the intermediate innerperimeter 22 of the container 12. Because the internal, radialcross-sectional area of the container 12 may become smaller along theaxis X of the container 12 from the top to the bottom of the container12, when the blending volume reduction device 30 is inserted into thecontainer 12 such that the axes X′ and Y of the container 12 andblending volume reduction device 30 are substantially coaxial, the covermember 32 will rest at the intermediate inner perimeter 22 of thecontainer 12 and be supported by the side walls of the container 12. Itis noted that the inner perimeter 22 may be a desired distance below theopened end and/or above the closed end of blade assembly 14. Forexample, the inner perimeter 22 may be a distance selected to reduce theworking volume 26 by about or more than 75% of an original volume (e.g.,volume with a lid). In an aspect, the cover member 32 may press radiallyoutwards to contact the container 12, such as through a friction fit ormechanical nesting. For instance, the blending volume reduction device30 may comprise elastic, anelastic, viscoelastic, or other material thatmay be deformed to create a tight fitting seal. In another aspect, thematerial may comprise rubbers, foams, plastics, or the like. It is notedthat the “seal” may be an airtight seal, water or liquid-tight seal, orthe like.

In at least one embodiment, the cover member 32 may be additionally oralternatively supported by other means such as, for example, hooks thatare secured to top edges of the container's side walls, a handle, and/ora cover of the container 12. In another example, the cover member 32 maybe additionally or alternatively supported by legs that may be supportedby the container 12 bottom. According to at least one embodiment, thecover member 32 may be additionally or alternatively supported byformations of the container 12, such as a stop or protrusion extendingproximal to the intermediate inner perimeter 22. As can be seen in FIG.3, the cover member 32 will bound a top portion 40 of the working volume26, thus reducing its size. In another aspect, the container 12 mayinclude one or more ridges, such as a plurality of ridges, and/or one ormore ledges on which the cover member 32 may rest or operatively engage.A ridge or ledge may be disposed at a position to result in apredetermined volume of a blended product and/or amount of ingredientsto be blended. For example, certain settings (e.g., commercial settings,dietary regiments, etc.) may require repeatability of a blending processto produce a drink. The ridges or ledges may be configured to enableeasily reproduce drinks

Smoothies (e.g., fruit, ice, vegetables, etc.) or other food may beprovided in the working volume 26 before the blending volume reductiondevice 30 is positioned into the container 12. In addition or in thealternative, spices or other food may be provided in the working volume26 after the blending volume reduction device 30 is positioned into thecontainer 12 by removing the plug member 36 from the aperture 34 andinserting the spices or other food into the working volume 26 throughthe aperture 34. Once the spices or other food are positioned into theworking volume 26, the plug member 36 may be positioned back into theaperture 34 and the blade assembly 14 may be operated to blend or grindthe spices or other food inside the reduced working volume 26. Inembodiments, the plug 36 may comprise a handle or other device, asdescribed herein.

The aperture 34 may be shaped, sized, and disposed in various manners.For instance, the aperture 34 may be disposed near a center or axis Y ofthe cover member 32, between the center and outer perimeter 38, or thelike. The aperture 34 may be generally cylindrical (e.g., circular), ann-sided polygon (where n is a number), irregular in shape (e.g., such asa portion of a cylindrical shape), or the like. In another aspect, theaperture 34 may be formed orthogonally through the cover member 32and/or at other angles. In another aspect, the aperture 34 may bethreaded, or the like, and may be configured to mate with the plugmember 36 (which may be threaded to mate with a threaded aperture 34).In at least one example, the plug member 36 may be positioned in theaperture 36 and/or may cover the aperture. For instance, the plug 36 maybe configured to cover the aperture 35 without being positioned therein.It is noted that cover member 32 may comprise other or differentapertures (e.g., more, less, differently shaped, etc.).

Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, a blending volume reduction device 50 that maybe used in the blender assembly 10 will now be described. The blendingvolume reduction device 50 comprises a cover member 52 that can comprisean aperture 54 extending therethrough and a plug member 56 removablypositioned in the aperture 54. It is noted that liked named componentsdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1-4 may be similarly configured and/ormay comprise similar aspects as those described with reference to FIGS.5 and 6, unless context suggests otherwise or warrants a particulardistinction among such components. For instance, the aperture 54 andaperture 43 may comprise similar sizes and/or dimensions. The blendingvolume reduction device 50 is configured to be removably positioned intothe container 12. The blending volume reduction device 50 is furtherconfigured such that when the blending volume reduction device 50 ispositioned in the container 12, the blending volume reduction device 50reduces the working volume 26 of the container 12.

More specifically, the blending volume reduction device 50 comprises anaxis Y′ and the cover member 52 comprises an outer perimeter 58 thatcircumscribes the axis Y′ and generally matches the intermediate innerperimeter 22 of the container 12. Because the internal, radialcross-sectional area of the container 12 may become smaller along theaxis X of the container 12 from the top to the bottom of the container12, when the blending volume reduction device 50 is positioned into thecontainer 12 such that the axes X and Y′ of the container 12 andblending volume reduction device 50 are generally coaxial, the covermember 52 will rest (e.g., mate with container 12, fixedly attach,operatively engage, etc.) at the intermediate inner perimeter 22 of thecontainer 12 and be supported by the side walls of the container 12. Forinstance, the outer perimeter 58 of the cover member 52 may generallycontact the intermediate inner perimeter 22 of the container 12 in amechanical nesting manner. It is noted that, while embodiments refer toan inner perimeter 22, the blending volume reduction device 50 may restor mate with a range of inner perimeters 22. For instance, the blendingvolume reduction device 50 may comprise a material that may bedeformable or compressible. For example, the blending volume reductiondevice 50 may be formed of or may comprise a gasket about the outerperimeter 58 that may be formed of a rubber, foam, or other material.The material may be compressed such that the blending volume reductiondevice 50 may engagedly secure or rest at a range of inner perimeters22.

As described herein, it is noted that the cover member 52 may beadditionally or alternatively supported by other means such as thosedescribed with regard to cover member 32. For example, hooks that aresecured to top edges of the container's side walls or legs that engagethe bottom of the container 12 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7). As canbe seen in FIG. 5, the cover member 52 will bound a top portion 60 ofthe working volume 26, thus reducing its size.

The blending volume reduction device 50 further can comprise a pluralityof corner shield members 62 that are each configured to extend downwardfrom the cover member 52 between the axis X of the container 12 and awall portion of the container 12 when the blending volume reductiondevice 50 is positioned in the container 12. More specifically, eachcorner shield member 62 is configured to extend along an inner cornersurface portion 64 of the container 12 when the blending volumereduction device 50 is positioned in the container 12. In anotheraspect, each corner shield member 62 may comprise a surface portion 66that substantially or generally matches an inner corner surface portion64 of the container 12. In other words, each corner shield member 62will rest within a corner of the container 12 such that its surfaceportion 66 is flush with and abuts against its respective inner cornersurface portion 64, thus shielding the inner corner surface portion 64from abrasive spices or other food that may be propelled through theworking volume 26 during a blending or grinding operation. It is notedthat corner shield members 62 may additionally decrease the workingvolume 26, provide support for cover member 52, and/or otherwise providea more efficient blender assembly 10.

One or more of the corner shield member 62 may extend from the covermember 52 such that it contacts a bottom inner surface 68 of thecontainer 12. In at least one embodiment, one or more of each cornershield member 62 may extend only partially towards the bottom innersurface 68. For instance, at least one corner shield member 62 maycontact a rib or other protrusion extending from the container 12. Thecorner shield member 62 may rest on or mate with the protrusion.

Furthermore, each corner shield member 62 may comprise a curved surface70 that faces the axis X of the container 12 when the blending volumereduction device 50 is positioned in the container 12. Morespecifically, the curved surface 70 may be concave such that the curvedsurface 70 opens towards the axis X. Because the surfaces 70 of thecorner shield members 62 are curved, spices or other food within theworking volume 26 will be less likely to stick to the surfaces 70 of thecorner shield members 62 than they would in a sharper corner. It isnoted that the corner shield members 62 may be monolithically formedwith the cover member 52, may be separately formed with the cover member52, and/or may be attachable (e.g., removably or irremovably) engagablewith the cover member 52.

It is noted that the corner shield members 62 may comprise i cornershield members, where i is a number. In another aspect, the container 12may comprise j, inner corner surface portions 66. According to at leastone example, the number of shield members 62 may be equal to the numberof inner corner surface portions 66 (e.g., i=j). For example, theblender assembly 10 may comprise four shield members 62 and inner cornersurface portions 66. In an additional or alternative embodiment, thenumber of shield members 62 and the number of inner corner surfaceportions 66 may be not equal. For instance, less than all inner cornersurface portions 66 may contact and/or mate with shield members 62(e.g., i<j).

Spices or other food may be provided in the working volume 26 before theblending volume reduction device 50 is positioned into the container 12.In addition or in alternative, spices or other food may be provided inthe working volume 26 after the blending volume reduction device 50 ispositioned into the container 12 by removing the plug member 56 from theaperture 54 and inserting the spices or other food into the workingvolume 26 through the aperture 54. Once the spices or other food arepositioned into the working volume 26, the plug member 56 may bepositioned back into the aperture 54 and the blade assembly 14 may beoperated to blend or grind the spices or other food inside the reducedworking volume 26.

Turning to FIGS. 7 and 8, illustrate is a blending volume reductiondevice 80 that may be useable with and/or comprised by the blenderassembly 10. It is noted that the blending volume reduction device 80may comprise similar aspects as those described with reference to theother disclosed figures. For instance, liked named components describedwith reference to FIGS. 1-6 may be similarly configured and/or maycomprise similar aspects as those described with reference to FIGS. 7and 8, unless context suggests otherwise or warrants a particulardistinction among such components. The blending volume reduction device80 comprises a cover member 82 that can comprise an aperture 84extending therethrough and a plug member 86 removably positioned inand/or covering the aperture 84. The blending volume reduction device 80is configured to be removably positioned into the container 12. Theblending volume reduction device 80 is further configured such that whenthe blending volume reduction device 80 is positioned in the container12, the blending volume reduction device 80 reduces the working volume26 of the container 12. More specifically, the blending volume reductiondevice 80 comprises an axis Y″ and the cover member 82 can comprise anouter perimeter 88 that generally circumscribes the axis Y″ andsubstantially matches the intermediate inner perimeter 22 of thecontainer 12. Because the internal, radial cross-sectional area of thecontainer 12 becomes smaller along the axis X of the container 12 fromthe top to the bottom of the container 12, when the blending volumereduction device 80 is positioned into the container 12 such that theaxes X and Y″ of the container 12 and blending volume reduction device80 are generally coaxial, the cover member 82 will rest at theintermediate inner perimeter 22 of the container 12 and be supported bythe side walls of the container 12. However, in other embodiments, thecover member 82 may be additionally or alternatively supported by othermeans such as those described with reference to the other figures. In anexample, hooks that are secured to top edges of the container's sidewall or legs that engage the bottom of the container 12. As can be seenin FIG. 7, the cover member 82 may bound a top portion 90 of the workingvolume 26, thus reducing its size.

The blending volume reduction device 80 can further comprise a generallycircumferential shield member 92 that extends downward from the covermember 82 between the axis X of the container 12 and a wall portion ofthe container 12 when the blending volume reduction device 80 ispositioned in the container 12. More specifically, the circumferentialshield member 92 extends circumferentially about the axis X of thecontainer 12 when the blending volume reduction device 80 is positionedin the container 12, thus shielding an entire inner perimeter portion ofthe container 12 from abrasive spices or other food that may bepropelled through the working volume 26 during a blending or grindingoperation. In another aspect, the circumferential shield member 92 mayreduce the working volume 26 and/or otherwise increase user satisfactionwith the blender assembly 10. An outer perimeter of the circumferentialshield member 92 may substantially match an inner perimeter of thecontainer 12, as shown in FIG. 8. However, the circumferential shieldmember 92 need not extend all the way to the inner wall surfaces of thecontainer 12. Indeed, in some embodiments, there may be spacing betweenthe circumferential shield member 92 and wall portions of the container12 and/or the shield member 92 may extend only a portion (e.g.,generally a majority, generally a minority, general half, etc.) of alength of the interior of the container 12.

The circumferential shield member 92 may extend from the cover member 82such that it contacts the bottom inner surface 68 of the container 12 orthe circumferential shield member 92 may extend only partially towardsthe bottom inner surface 68. Furthermore, the circumferential shieldmember 92 may comprise a curved, inner surface 99 that faces the axis Xof the container 12 when the blending volume reduction device 80 ispositioned in the container 12. More specifically, the curved, innersurface 99 may be substantially cylindrical and coaxial with thecontainer 12 when the blending volume reduction device 80 is positionedin the container 12, thus providing a surface completely surrounding theaxis X that is void of any sharp corners that are likely to accumulatespices or other food within the working volume 26.

It is noted that circumferential shield member 92 may be generallycylindrical, frustoconical, polygonal, or irregular in shape. It isfurther noted that the circumferential shield member 92 may bemonolithically formed with cover member 82, attachable (e.g.,irremovably or removably) coupled to cover member 82, separatelyinsertable in the container 12, or the like. In another aspect,circumferential shield member 92 may extend towards bottom inner surface68 but may not contact the bottom inner surface 68. For instance, thecircumferential shield member 92 may contact a protrusion or ribextending from a sidewall of the container, may comprise a friction fitwith the side wall of the container, or the like.

Spices or other food may be provided in the working volume 26 before theblending volume reduction device 80 is positioned into the container 12.In addition or in alternative, spices or other food may be provided inthe working volume 26 after the blending volume reduction device 80 ispositioned into the container 12 by removing the plug member 86 from theaperture 84 and inserting the spices or other food into the workingvolume 26 through the aperture 84. Once the spices or other food arepositioned into the working volume 26, the plug member 86 may bepositioned back into the aperture 84 and the blade assembly 14 may beoperated to blend or grind the spices or other food inside the reducedworking volume 26.

Although the blending volume reduction device 80 described abovecomprises an outer perimeter 88 that circumscribes the axis Y″ andgenerally matches the intermediate inner perimeter 22 of the container12, there may be embodiments wherein the outer perimeter does notsubstantially match any inner perimeter of the container 12. Since theshield member 92 extends circumferentially about the axis X, Y″, it isnot necessary for the cover member 82 to extend beyond the outerperimeter of the shield member 92 to the side walls of the container 12for the cover member 82 to enclose the working volume 26. Moreover, theblending volume reduction device 80 may rely on the shield member 92 tosupport the blending volume reduction device 80 within the container 12rather than relying on the side walls of the container 12 to support thecover member 82. Accordingly, the outer perimeter 88 of the cover member82 in some embodiments may be smaller in dimension about the axis X thanan inner perimeter of the container 12.

Further, it should be understood that while the present teachings statea blending volume reduction device and/or a spice grinding tool, thepresent teachings may apply to any situation in which the working volume26 of the container 12 is desired to be reduced. In such circumstances,a blending volume reduction device may be utilized to reduce the workingvolume 26 of the container 12. By way of a non-limiting example, theblending volume reduction device may be used to reduce the workingvolume 26 of the container 12 to blend ice, or any other food stuffs.

An embodiment of a blending volume reduction device 100 is shown in FIG.9. The blending volume reduction device 100 may be particularly fittedto blending foodstuffs such as smoothies and the like. The blendingreduction device 100 may accelerate the blending of the foodstuffswithin the container 12. The blending reduction device 100 may alsoalter (e.g., improve) the quality of the blended foodstuffs. By way of anon-limiting example, it may take approximately thirty seconds or so toappropriately blend a smoothie in a traditional blending devicecontainer. Utilizing the blending volume reduction device 100 may reducethe overall blending time for such appropriately blended smoothie toabout six to eight seconds. This has particularly utility in commercialblending or other blending settings where reducing the time to blendfoodstuffs may increase the production of smoothies.

The blending volume reduction device 100 comprises a body 112. The body112 may be generally solid, hollow, filled with a vibration absorbingmaterial, or the like. In an aspect, the body 112 can comprise apertures(not shown) and/or a recessed portion extending therein. The recessedportion may comprise a finger-hole or tab that me be formed to generallyallow a user to insert his or her fingers therein so as to manipulatethe blending volume reduction device 100 into and out of the container12. It is noted that a user may manipulate the blending volume reductiondevice 100 via other mechanisms, such as via an attached (e.g.,removably or irremovably) handle, a spatula, tamper, or the like. Theblending volume reduction device 100 may be configured to be removablypositioned into the container 12. The blending volume reduction device100 is further configured such that when the blending volume reductiondevice 100 is positioned in the container 12, the blending volumereduction device 100 reduces the working volume 26 of the container 12.

More specifically, the blending volume reduction device 100 comprises anaxis Y″′ and the body 112 can comprise an outer perimeter 114 thatgenerally circumscribes the axis Y″′ and substantially matches theintermediate inner perimeter 22 of the container 12. Because theinternal, radial cross-sectional area of the container 12 becomessmaller along the axis X of the container 12 from the top to the bottomof the container 12, when the blending volume reduction device 100 ispositioned into the container 12 such that the axes X and Y″′ of thecontainer 12 and blending volume reduction device 100 are generallycoaxial, the body 112 will rest at the intermediate inner perimeter 22of the container 12 and be supported by the side walls of the container12. However, in other embodiments, the body 112 may be additionally oralternatively supported by other means such as those described withreference to the other figures. For example, hooks that are secured totop edges of the container's side walls or legs that engage the bottomof the container 12. In an aspect, this may allow the blending volumereducing device 100 to be utilized with a container having generallyflat walls (e.g., zero-slant walls) which may be generally parallel toeach other and/or generally orthogonal to a bottom and/or top surface ofa container. It is further noted that the curved, inner surface 126 maycontact one or more of the bottom inner surface 68 or a rib/protrusionextending from at least one of the bottom inner surface 68 or a sidewall of the container 12. As can be seen in FIG. 9, the blending volumereduction device 100 may bound a top portion 120 of the working volume26, thus reducing its size.

The body 112 of the blending volume reduction device 100 can furtherextend downward between the axis X of the container 12 and a wallportion of the container 12 when the blending volume reduction device100 is positioned in the container 12. More specifically, the body 112of the blending volume reduction device 100 extends circumferentiallyabout the axis X of the container 12 when the blending volume reductiondevice 100 is positioned in the container 12, thus shielding an entireinner perimeter portion of the container 12 from foodstuffs, such asmoothies being propelled through the working volume 26 during ablending or grinding operation. An outer perimeter 114 of the body 112may substantially match an inner perimeter 22 of the container 12, asshown in FIG. 9. In another aspect, the outer perimeter 114 may comprisea compressible or alterable material. For example, the outer perimeter114 may comprise a foam, rubber, soft plastic, or other material thatmay have elastic, anelastic, or viscoelastic properties. As such, theouter perimeter 114 may not match the inner perimeter 22 when theblending volume reduction device 100 is not positioned in the container,but the outer perimeter 114 may be compressed or altered to match theinner perimeter 22 when the blending volume reduction device 100 ispositioned in the container.

The body 112 may extend only partially towards the bottom inner surface68. Furthermore, the body 112 may comprise a curved, inner surface 126that faces the bottom of the container 12 when the blending volumereduction device 100 is positioned in the container 12. Morespecifically, the curved, inner surface 126 may be substantially concaveor convex. In another aspect, the curved, inner surface 126 may becoaxial with the container 12 when the blending volume reduction device100 is positioned in the container 12, thus providing a surfacecompletely surrounding the axis X that is void of any sharp cornerswithin the working volume 26. It should be understood, however, that theinner surface 126 may be of any appropriate shape. By way of anon-limiting example, it may be generally flat, rectangular,curvilinear, sinusoidal, frustoconical, diamond-like in shape, etc. Theinner surface 126 may be of a shape and size that generally preventscontacting the blade assembly 14.

Foodstuffs such a fruit, vegetables, flavoring, ice and the like may beprovided in the working volume 26 before the blending volume reductiondevice 100 is positioned into the container 12. Once the fruit,vegetables, flavoring, ice and the like are positioned into the workingvolume 26, the blending volume reduction device may be positioned intothe container 12 and the blade assembly 14 may be operated to blend orgrind the fruit, vegetables, flavoring, ice and the like inside thereduced working volume 26.

The outer perimeter 114 of the blending volume reduction device 100 maycircumscribe the axis Y′ and substantially matches the intermediateinner perimeter 22 of the container 12. This may allow the blendingvolume reduction device 100 to be positioned within the container 12 andoperatively held in a predetermined position. This predeterminedposition may correspond or otherwise relate to the amount of a foodstuffbeing blended in the container 12. For example, the blending volumereduction device 100 may fit within a container 12 such that the workingvolume 26 is reduced to a predetermined size, e.g., 8, 12, 16, 20ounces, etc.

Further still, the blending volume reduction device 100 may include aseal that generally surrounds the perimeter of the blending volumereduction device 100. The seal may generally prevent the foodstuffs(especially the liquid) from moving past the blending volume reductiondevice 100. The seal may be of any appropriate form. By way of anon-limiting example, it may include an elastomeric material that formsa liquid and/or air tight seal with the container 12. The seal may besimilar in concept to a windshield wiper-type seal. The presentteachings, however, are not limited to this configuration. Anyappropriate type of seal may be utilized without departing from thepresent teachings. The seal may allow air to escape from the container12 as the blending volume reduction device 100 is positioned into thecontainer 12. It is further noted that the seal may be attached to,monolithically formed with, or otherwise positioned in contact with atleast one of the blending volume reduction device 100 or the container12. For example, in an embodiment the seal may be attached to the outerperimeter 114. In another example, the seal may be attached to thecontainer 12.

As shown in FIG. 10, the blending volume reduction device 100 mayinclude a handle 200. The handle 200 may assist the user withmanipulating the blending volume reduction device 100 into and out ofthe container 12. Further, the handle 200 may allow a user to break anykind of seal that may be created during the blending operation,especially the seal between the blending volume reduction device 100 andthe container 12. For example, the working volume 26 may becomepressurized during a blending process. The user may utilize handle 200to manipulate the blending volume reduction device 100 and break a sealto release the pressure.

It is noted that the handle 200 may be monolithically formed with thebody 112, may be selectively attached thereto (e.g., removably orirremovably), or the like. It is further noted that the handle 200 maybe utilized with other embodiments described herein. For instance,handle 200 may be selectively attached to blending volume reductiondevice 30, such as via aperture 34.

The blending volume reduction device 100 is particularly useful inblending smoothies. The blending volume reduction device 100 may reducethe amount of air that is in the working volume 26. By reducing theamount of air therein, when the blending operation begins additionalshear forces may be created. This may create a pump-like action wherebythe foodstuffs are more efficiently and effectively blended. By way of anon-limiting example, the total time to blend a smoothie may be reducedto approximately six or eight seconds. It is, of course, noted that thetime may depend on the type of ingredients, amount of ingredients, orthe like. In an aspect, the blending time may be reduced by about60%-70% of the time a traditional blender would need.

It is noted that the handle 200 may be monolithically formed with theblending volume reduction device 100 and/or may be attachable (e.g.,removably or irremovably) to the blending volume reduction device 100.In at least one aspect, the handle 200 may plug or cover an apertureformed through the body 112.

Turning to FIGS. 11-19 describe a blending volume reduction device 300that may be used in a container 400 that includes generally vertical,parallel walls 402, which may comprise generally zero slant walls. Inother words, it may be used with a container that has generally straightwalls. In this embodiment, a user may add the foodstuffs into thecontainer. Then the user may insert the blending volume reduction device400 (such as through use of finger apertures, a handle, or just the bodythereof). The blending volume reduction device 300 may by positioneduntil it comes into contact with the foodstuffs disposed therein. Theuser may then begin the blending process. In another aspect, theblending volume reduction device 300 may be locked or secured in adesired position, may contact hard stops (e.g., such as hard stopsprotruding from the container 400, or the like).

According to at least one embodiment, the blending volume reductiondevice 300 may comprise a cover member 332. The cover member maycomprise an outer perimeter 354 that may be generally cylindrical orcircular. In an aspect, the outer perimeter 354 may comprise a similarshape as an intermediate inner perimeter 422 of the container 400. Forinstance, the inner perimeter 422 may be generally rectangular, and theouter perimeter 354 may be similarly shaped thereto. It is further notedthat the inner perimeter 422 may comprise formations, such asprotrusions (e.g., ribs, etc.) and the outer perimeter 354 may comprisesimilar formations (e.g. recessed portions) configured to mate or matchthe protrusions of the inner perimeter 422.

In another aspect, the cover member 332 may be generally flat, convex,concave, and/or irregular in shape, or the like. It is noted that thecover member 332 may be any desired shape or size. The cover member 332may include an aperture 334 disposed therethrough. The aperture 334 maybe configured to allow a user to add ingredients to the container 400while the blending volume reduction device 300 is disposed in thecontainer 400. As depicted, the aperture 334 may comprise a portion orslice of a cylindrical shape. It is noted that the cover member 332 maycomprise other or different apertures. For instance, the cover 332 maycomprise a different number of apertures, apertures of various shapes(e.g., crescent shape, cylindrical, polygonal, etc.) and/or sizes, orthe like.

The blending volume reduction device 300 may comprise a side wall 338extending from the cover member 332. In an aspect, the side wall 338 mayextend generally perpendicularly with the cover member 332. Forinstance, the side wall 338 may be generally cylindrical. It is notedthat the side wall may comprise other configurations. For example, theside wall 338 may be generally frustoconical, polygonal, or irregular inshape. According to embodiments, the side wall 338 may comprise a lip342 that may protrude therefrom. The lip 342 may be generallyperpendicular with the side wall 338. In an aspect, the lip 342 maygenerally extend outwardly from axis Z. The lip 342 may prevent a gasketor seal member 346 from becoming accidentally displaced. For instance, auser may press or pull the blending volume reduction device 300 in orout of the container 400. As the blending volume reduction device 300translates about the axis Z, the seal member 346 may rub or contact thewalls 402. Friction may act on the seal member 346. The lip 342 mayprevent the seal member 346 from being displaced. In another aspect, theseal member 346 may be integrally formed with the side wall 338. It isfurther noted that the seal member 346 may be held in place via othermeans, such as via a groove formed in side wall 338, or the like.Moreover, while blending volume reduction device 300 is described ascomprising side wall 338, it is noted that blending volume reductiondevice 300 may comprise a generally solid body, such as a puck-likebody.

The blending volume reduction device 300 may be attachable with ahandle. The handle may comprise different configurations, shapes, and/orsizes. For instance, the blending volume reduction device 300 may beoperatively attached to handle 200, 500 and/or 550. Handle 500 isillustrated as comprising a generally tube like body 504 that may beattached (e.g., removably or irremovably) to handle cover member 508 ata first end 512 opposite a second end 516. It is noted that the body 504may be generally uniform in shape, cylindrical, frustoconical, apolygonal prism, or otherwise shaped. As depicted, a cross-sectionalperimeter of the body 504 may generally increase from proximal the firstend 512 towards the second end 516. It is noted that the body 504 maycomprise other shapes or sizes. For instance, the body 504 may begenerally ergonomically shaped for a user's hand. It is noted that thebody 504 may be solid, hollow, or otherwise formed. For instance, thebody 504 may comprise a plastic outer shell and a metal inner cored.According to another embodiment, the body 504 may be generally solid andformed of a single material.

As shown in FIGS. 18-19, handle 550 may comprise a generally U-shapedbody 554. The U-shaped body 554 may be attached (e.g., removably orirremovably) to handle cover member 558 at a first end 562 opposite asecond end 566. It is noted that the body 554 may be generally uniformin thickness or otherwise shaped, such as ergonomically shaped. It isnoted that the handle 550 may comprise other or differently shapedhandles 550.

In an aspect, the handles 500 and 550 may each operatively couple (e.g.,removably or irremovably) with a blending volume reduction device, suchas blending volume reduction device 300, blending volume reductiondevice 30 and/or blending volume reduction device 100. For instance, asshown in FIGS. 12-19 handle cover member 508 and/or 558 may be attachedto the blending volume reduction device 300. In an aspect, the handlecover members 508 and 558 may be similar in size and shape. As such, itis noted that while examples may reference one of the handle covermember 508 or the handle cover member 558, examples may utilize eitherhandle cover member 508/558, or both.

Handle cover member 508 may comprise a partial circular perimeter 520,as described with reference to FIG. 16. The perimeter 520 may comprise acurved portion 522 and an open portion 524. In an example, the curvedportion 522 may engage with and/or be connected to the volume reductiondevice 300. The open portion 524 may be positioned such that theaperture 334 may be selectively covered by handle cover member 508. Forinstance, the aperture 334 may be at least partially, or completely notcovered or exposed, as shown in FIG. 17. It is noted that the all, amajority, half, or a minority of the aperture 334 may be selectivelycovered by the handle cover member 508. For example, a user may rotatethe body 504 to position the handle cover member 508. This may allow theuser to selectively expose or cover the aperture 334. Accordingly, theuser may add ingredients during a blending process or otherwise access ablended product. In another aspect, covering the apertures 334 with thehandle cover member 508 may seal contents within the working volume 436.The seal may allow a threshold amount of air to pass therethrough, asdescribed herein. In another aspect, the seal may be tight enough toprevent foodstuff from being expelled through the seal. In at least oneembodiment, the seal may be airtight and a user may rotate the handlecover member 508 to release the seal and release pressure in thecontainer 400. It is noted that the handle cover member 508 may compriseother shapes or sizes. In an example, the handle cover member 508 maynot comprise open portion 524. According to other examples, a separateplug portion may be operatively insertable into the aperture 334, suchas described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 7.

In at least one embodiment, the perimeter 520 may be sized tomechanically nest within side wall 338. For instance, at least a portionof the perimeter 520 may be about equal to a portion of the perimeter ofthe inner side wall 352, such that the handle cover portion 508 may bepositioned within the inner side wall 352. In an example, the curvedportion 522 may comprise about half of a circle and/or ellipse or amajor portion of a circle/ellipse (e.g., more than half acircle/ellipse). The handle cover portion 508 may radially press againstthe inner side wall 352 to form a friction-fit connection. It is notedthat the handle cover member 508 may mate with the inner side wall 352and/or other portions of the blending volume reduction device 300 viaother desired mechanisms. For instance, the perimeter 520 and the innerside wall 352 may couple together via a tongue and groove connection,threaded members, magnetic connection, hooks, clasps, VELCRO, suctioncups, or other means. For instance, the inner side wall 352 may comprisea groove 356 that may mate with a tongue or tab disposed about some orall of the perimeter 520 (e.g., such as the curved portion perimeter520) the handle cover member 508. While examples may refer to theperimeter 520 coupling with the inner side wall 352, it is noted thatthe handle cover member 508 may be coupled with other portions of theblending volume reduction device 300. For instance, the handle covermember 508 may comprise a suction cup, magnet, hook, VELCRO, or othermechanism configured to engage with the cover member 332. In anotheraspect, handle cover member 508 may mate with lip 342.

According to an aspect, the force needed to separate or detach thehandle 500 from the blending volume reduction device 300 may be greaterthan a downward pulling force experienced when the blending volumereduction device 300 is removed from a container, such as container 400.As such, the blending volume reduction device 300 may be removed fromthe container 400 with a reduced risk of blending volume reductiondevice 300 disengaging with the handle 500. In at least one embodiment,the blending volume reduction device 300 and handle 500 may be lockableto prevent separation of the handle 500 and blending volume reductiondevice 300.

Handle 500 and/or 550 may be configured to control the position of theblending volume reduction device 300. In an aspect, the handles may belocked or secured into a position to achieve a desired working volumewithin a container. The handles may be held in place by a hook, clasp,magnet, friction connection, or the like, as described here as well aselsewhere in this disclosure. In an example, the working volume may beadjustable by a user. For instance, the user may position the blendingvolume reduction device 300 based on an amount and/or type of contentswithin the container.

With reference now to FIGS. 12-15, handle 500 may be positioned withinthe container 400. The handle 500 may be attached or engaged with theblending volume reduction device 300. The seal member 346 and/or anouter sidewall 346 of the blending volume reduction device 300 mayradially seal or press against an inner wall 402 of the container 400.In an aspect, friction between the inner wall 402 and the blendingvolume reduction device 300 (e.g., the seal member 346) may generallyhold the blending volume reduction device 300 at a desired locationwithin the container 400. The user may apply force to the body 504 ofthe handle 500 to position the blending volume reduction device 300. Inan aspect, the container 400 may comprise an engaging portion 408. Theengaging portion 408 may comprise a cavity or an aperture 412. Theaperture 412 may include a gasket 416 that may be configured toreinforce the aperture 412 and/or reduce ware. The aperture 412 may beconfigured to receive a coupler or tab 538 of a fulcrum or lever 530.The tab 538 may be angled and/or may comprise a flange to secure the tab538 with the aperture 412. For example, the lever 530 may be hingedlysecured to the container 400 by inserting the tab 538 to the aperture412.

The lever 530 may comprise a body 532. The body may comprise a gripportion 536 positioned on the body 532, a grooved portion 540, and thetab 538. In an aspect, the tab 538 may be engaged with the aperture 412.The grooved portion 540 may be configured to receive or engage with thesecond end 516 of the handle 500. In an example, the user may applyforce to the body 532 to press the handle 500 downwards. In an aspect,this may allow a user to position the blending volume reduction device300 with reduced effort. In another aspect, the grooved portion 540 mayprevent and/or reduce the likelihood of the lever 530 from slipping. Inanother aspect, the lever 530 may be hingedly secured to the container400. For instance, the container 400 may comprise a hinge that may beattachable with the lever 530. It is noted that the lever 530 may belocked in a desired position. In another aspect, a user may hold thelever 530 at a position during a blending process to prevent theblending volume reduction device 300 from moving.

In an example, the user may desire to lower the blending volumereduction device 300 from a first position illustrated in FIG. 13 to asecond positon illustrated in FIG. 14. The user may attach the lever 530to the container 400 and may apply force to the lever 530. The lever 530may transfer the force to the handle 500. As the handle 500 translatestowards the blender base 16, the second end 516 and/or the groovedportion 540 may slidably translate with respect to each other. In anaspect, the grooved portion 540 may comprise a material that may reducefriction, may be coated with a non-stick or friction reducing material,or the like.

In at least one embodiment, the handle 500 may be attachable (e.g.,removably or irremovably) to the lever 530. For instance, the groovedportion 540 may comprise an aperture or channel 542. The handle 500 maycomprise a bolt or other member that may be positioned into the channel542 and attached to the handle 500. In an example, attaching the handle500 to the lever 530 may allow the user to apply force to the lever 530to move the handle 500 towards or away from the blender base 16. It isnoted that the user may grasp the handle 500 and manipulate the positionof the blending volume reduction device 300 without the lever 530.

In at least one embodiment, the user may adjust the position of theblending volume reduction device 300 thereby adjusting the workingvolume 436 of the container 400. Spices or other food may be provided inthe working volume 436 before the blending volume reduction device 300is positioned into the container 400. In addition or in the alternative,spices or other food may be provided in the working volume 436 after theblending volume reduction device 300 is positioned into the container400 by removing the handle 500 and/or rotating the handle 500 to exposethe aperture 334 and inserting the spices or other food into the workingvolume 436 through the aperture 334. Once the spices or other food areinserted into the working volume 436, the handle 500 may be positionedor rotated to cover the aperture 334 and the blade assembly 14 may beoperated to blend or grind the spices or other food inside the reducedworking volume 436. In another aspect, the user may apply force to thehandle 500 (e.g., via body 504 and/or lever 530) to adjust the positonof the blending volume reduction device 300 and/or the working volume436.

Turning now to FIG. 19, with reference to FIG. 18, there illustrated isa blending system 600. The blending system 600 may include blender base16, a container 602, the handle 550, and the blending volume reductiondevice 300. In an aspect, the handle 550 may be attachable to thecontainer 602 to secure the handle 550 in place. In another aspect, therelative position of the first end 562 and the second end 566 of thehandle 550 may be selectively altered (e.g., adjustable) as described inmore detail herein.

In an embodiment, the body 554 of the handle 550 may comprise an upsidedown U-like shape. The U-shape may comprise a first side 552, a secondside 553, and a third side 556. The first side 552 and the second side553 may comprise a hollow shell or tube like body that may operativelysurround and engage with adjustable arms 580 and 582. The body 554 maytranslate about axis Z′ to expose portions of the adjustable arms 580and 582. As the portions of the adjustable arms 580 and 582 are exposedand/or covered by the first side 502 and second side 553, a distance 584between the first end 562 and the second end 566 may alter (e.g.,increase or decrease). According to at least one embodiment, the body554 may be locked or may rest at one or more positions; each positionmay be defined by a value of the distance 584. In an example, theadjustable arms 580 and 582 may be friction fit within the first side552 and the second side 553, such that a user may apply force to thebody 554 (e.g., by pulling or pushing third side 556) to adjust theposition of the body 554.

In another aspect, the handle 550 may comprise one or more actuatorsthat may selectively lock or secure the handle 550 in a desiredposition. For example, an actuator 586 may comprise a pressure sensitivebutton that is pressable by a user. When the actuator 586 is pressed,the body 554 and the adjustable arms 580 and 582 may be unlocked. Whenthe actuator 586 is not pressed, the body 554 and the adjustable arms580 and 582 may be locked in place. In an aspect the actuator 586 maycontrol a peg-lock system internal to the body 554, a spring lock, orother locking mechanism that may be internal or external to the body554.

According to at least one embodiment, the handle 550 may comprise a gripportion 588. The grip portion 588 may comprise a material that may berelatively softer or more compressible than other portions of the body554. In another aspect, the material may comprise a non-slip or low slipmaterial. For example, the grip portion 588 may comprise a rubber orsoft plastic. In another example, the grip portion 588 may comprise anactuator that may function similar to actuator 586. For instance, thegrip portion 588 may be pressable to operatively lock or unlock the body554 with respect to adjustable arms 580 and 582. In another aspect, gripportion 588 and the actuator 586 may each comprise a portion of anactuator, such that a user must press both grip portion 588 and actuator586 to alter a position of the body 554. This may prevent or reduceaccidental changes in the position of the body 554.

It is noted that the handle 550 may comprise a predetermined number oflockable positions. In another aspect, the handle 550 may comprise oneposition and may not be adjustable in height. It is further noted thatthe handle 550 may comprise other means for adjusting the height and/orposition of the body 554. Further, while the body 554 may be describedas being movable, it is noted that movement may be relative to a fixedlocation or component. As such, examples generally describe handle covermember 558 in a fixed position and/or adjustable arms 580 and 582 in afixed position for sake of brevity. Accordingly, the adjustable arms 580and 582 and/or handle cover member 558 may be movable.

In at least one embodiment, the user may adjust the position of theblending volume reduction device 300 thereby adjusting the workingvolume 636 of the container 600. Spices or other food may be provided inthe working volume 636 before the blending volume reduction device 300is positioned into the container 600. In addition or in the alternative,spices or other food may be provided in the working volume 636 after theblending volume reduction device 300 is positioned into the container400 by removing the handle 550 and/or rotating the handle 550 to exposethe aperture 334 (or a portion of aperture 334) and inserting the spicesor other food into the working volume 636 through the aperture 334. Oncethe spices or other food are inserted into the working volume 436, thehandle 550 may be positioned or rotated to cover the aperture 334 andthe blade assembly 14 may be operated to blend or grind the spices orother food inside the reduced working volume 436. In another aspect, theuser may adjust the positon of the blending volume reduction device 300and/or the working volume 436 by altering the distance between the firstend 562 and second end 566.

Handle 550 may comprise one or more stops or engagement members 590 thatmay engage with one or more engagement member 604 of the container 602.The engagement members 590 may engage with the engagement members 604 tohold the body 554 and/or blending volume reduction device 300 in adesired location within the container 602. It is noted that the handle550 may be configured such that the blending volume reduction device 300may be prevented from being locked into a position at which a bladeassembly 14 may contact the blending volume reduction device 300. Forinstance, the handle 550 may comprise a maximum distance at which it mayexpand. This may prevent or reduce the possibility of the handle covermember 558 contacting the blade assembly 14.

In embodiments, the engagement members 590 may comprise a tab orprotrusion extending from first side 552 and/or second side 553. The tabmay be sized and shaped to operatively engage with the engagementmember. The tabs, for example, may be insertable into a groove orchannel 606. The channel 606 may comprise an operative portion of theengagement member 604. In an aspect, the channel 606 may be disposedalong a sidewall 608 of the container 602. In an example, the container602 may comprise channels 606 that may be generally opposite each other,such as equidistant about a perimeter of the side wall 608. It is notedthat the channels 606 may disposed proximal an open end 612 or at otherpositions along the side wall 608. The depth of the channel 606 maygenerally alter (e.g., increase and/or decrease) from a terminal end 620of the channel towards an intermediate end 622 of the channel. As such,the handle 550 may be rotated about axis Z′ such that the tabs may beengaged or received by the channels 606 and/or may be disengaged orreleased.

As depicted, the engagement members 590 may comprise two tabs, where onetab extends from the first side 552 and a second tab extends from thesecond side 553. It is noted that the engagement members 590 maycomprise different or other tabs, such as a different number of,differently sized, and/or shaped tabs. It is further noted that theengagement members 590 and 604 may comprise other features that maymechanically, magnetically, and/or otherwise facilitate engagement ofthe handle 550 with the container 602. For instance, the engagementmembers 590 and 604 may be configured to engage via a friction fit, by afastener (e.g., clip, hook, magnet, VELCRO, etc.), by threaded members,or the like.

Components of the handle 500 and/or 550 may comprise one or morematerials. For example, the materials may include metals, plastics,rubbers, wood, or the like. In an example, the adjustable arms 580 and582 may comprise a metal such as aluminum and/or stainless steel. Inanother example, body 504 and/or body 554 may comprise a food gradeplastic or the like.

In another aspect, while embodiments refer to blending volume reductiondevices, it is noted that such devices may be utilized for otherpurposes. For instance, handle 500 and/or 550 may be attached withblending volume reduction device 300, and the assembly may be utilizedas a tamper to manipulate foodstuff

In an aspect, container 602 may comprise one or more ribs 640. The ribs640 may comprise varying heights, sizes, or shapes. It is noted thatcontainer 602 may comprise any number of ribs (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.).The blending volume reduction device may comprise recessed portions 594that may be formed through the side wall 338 and/or seal member 336. Inan aspect, the recessed portions 594 may comprise slot-like formationsthat may be generally sized and shaped to allow ribs 640 to passtherethrough. The recessed portions 594 and the ribs 640 may contributeto proper alignment of the blending volume reduction device 300 and thecontainer 602. In another aspect, the recessed portions 594 and the ribs640 may prevent the blending volume reduction device 300 from rotating,such as due to fluid torque of contents being blended.

In at least one embodiment, the ribs 640 may comprise varying heightsand may be generally staggered about the side wall 608 of the container602. As the recessed portions 594 pass through a first set of the ribs640, the blending volume reduction device 300 may then be rotated toallow the recessed portions 594 to pass through another set of ribs 640.Each passage through set of ribs 640 may represent a particularposition. For example, a blending volume reduction device 300 may beconfigured to be rotated so that the slots therein will allow theblending volume reduction device 300 to pass by one set of ribs on thecontainer 602. The user may repeat this until the blending volumereduction device 300 is at the appropriate height. Once it is, theblending volume reduction device 300 may be rotated so that the slotsare positioned away from the ribs and the blending volume reductiondevice 300 does not engage the ribs of the container 602. It is notedthat the ribs 640 and/or recessed portions 594 may be generallyvertically arranged, may be spiralized similar to a threaded member, orthe like.

While various embodiments and non-limiting examples have been describedwith reference to one or more drawings, it is noted that various aspectsdisclosed herein may be utilized in combination with each other. Forinstance, the blender volume reduction device 30 may utilize variousaspects disclosed with reference to FIGS. 11-19. For instance, theblending volume reduction device 30 may be utilized with and/or comprisehandle 200, 500, 550, or the like. In another example, blending volumereduction device 300 may be utilized with and/or comprise corner shieldmember 62 and/or circumferential shield member 80.

In embodiments, a working volume (e.g., working volume 36, 436, and/or636) may be limited by a blending volume reduction device (e.g.,blending volume reduction device 30 and/or 300) contacting foodstuffwithin a container (container 12, 400, and/or 600). This may be usefulin a situation in which a user wishes to make different sized drinks(such as smoothies) or the like. The user merely needs to add theappropriate amount of foodstuffs into the container and insert theblending volume reduction device until it is adjacent to or otherwise incontact with the foodstuffs. This way, a single container and blendingvolume reduction device may create a plurality of different sized drinks

Moreover, described blending volume reduction devices may limit the areaof active blending (e.g., working volume), which may increase theefficiency of breaking down ingredients and/or increasing temperaturesmore rapidly than otherwise. The blending volume reduction devices mayinclude a handle to place such into the container. In some embodiments,the handle may be tall enough to contact or otherwise be part of thecontainer lid. For instance, as shown in FIG. 20, a container lid 690may be operatively attached to container 400. The lid 690 may cover orclose an open end of the container 400. A blender volume reducing device800 may comprise an arm 810 that may be attached (e.g., removably orirremovably) to a cover member 832 and/or the lid 690. Accordingly to anembodiment, a length of the arm 810 may be alterable such that theworking volume 636 may be adjustable.

In accordance with various described aspects, a container may include astop so that the blending volume reduction device may contact the stopupon insertion into the container. The stop may be of any appropriateconfiguration. By way of a non-limiting example, the stop may includeribs, flutes, or the like that may positioned on the container. The ribsmay be of any appropriate configuration. The ribs may be monolithicallyformed with the container or attached thereto in a separate process. Thestop may prevent the blending volume reduction device from coming intocontact with the blades upon insertion into the container.

Turning to FIG. 21, there illustrated is a blending system 900. Theblending system 900 may include a container 912 and a blending volumereducing device 920 that may be integrated with a lid 930. In an aspect,the container 912 may be operatively engaged with blender base 16 todrive blade assembly 14. The container 912 may include stops 916, whichmay comprise flutes, ribs, or other protrusions extending from an innerwall 918 of the container 912. The stops 916 may be positioned on thecontainer such that a blending volume reduction device 920 is positionedat or immediately above a desired level, such as the level of foodstuffwithin a container 912. This may also be used as a means to measure theamount of ingredients to be added to the container 912. For example, ifa drink is to be made repeatedly, the stops 916 may be positioned on thecontainer so that the user knows how much of the ingredients to add,i.e., the user adds the ingredients to the container until they reachthe stop. This may allow a blending volume reduction device 920 to bepositioned appropriately in the container 912 for each blend. Morespecifically, the blending volume reduction device 920 may be positionedin contact with or immediately above the ingredients added.

In another aspect, a stop may be particularly useful in a container thathas zero slant walls. In some embodiments, the container may include aplurality of stops positioned on varying locations on the container.This may allow a user to vary the position or height (e.g., distancefrom a bottom or top of a container) of a blending volume reductiondevice when positioned into a container. For example, the zero wallcontainer may include ribs of varying heights while a blending volumereduction device may include corresponding slots that may engage theribs. This may vary the height of a blending volume reduction device inthe container. For example, a blending volume reduction device may beconfigured to be rotated so that the slots therein will allow theblending volume reduction device to pass by one set of ribs on thecontainer. The user may repeat this until the blending volume reductiondevice is at the appropriate height. Once it is, the blending volumereduction device may be rotated so that the slots are positioned awayfrom the ribs and the blending volume reduction device engages the ribsof the container.

In those embodiments in which the container walls are slanted, the stopmay not be necessary, but it may still be used to position the blendingvolume reduction device at predetermined heights on the container. Asnoted above, the blending volume reduction device may be of a size toengage the container at a predetermined location. The blending volumereduction device may include a seal that can allow pressure to escape ora vent to release the pressure through the blending volume reductiondevice.

Still further, the blending volume reduction device may be attached withor be a part of the lid. In these embodiments, the blending volumereduction device may sit deep into the container to reduce the workingvolume. The blending volume reduction device may be attached with thelid in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, theblending volume reduction device may be monolithically formed with thelid, attached such as through adhesives, welding, fastening or the like,or may be selectively attached such that it may be removed when notneeded. In another aspect, a blending volume reduction device maycomprise an arm that extends from the lid the blending volume reductiondevice. The arm may have an adjustable height to position the blendingvolume reduction device a desired distance from the lid.

The blending volume reduction device reducing the working volume of thecontainer may decrease the amount of time required to heat ingredientstherein. The blending volume reduction device reduces the amount ofspace the ingredients may jump and splash around. This may alter (e.g.,increase) the efficiency of the blending, which may alter (e.g.,decrease) the amount of time needed to heat the ingredients.

Certain blenders may use the friction from the blades to create heat toheat ingredients within the container. The blending volume reductiondevice may make the heating of the ingredients more efficient andeffective. Specifically, the blending volume reduction device may reducethe time necessary for the ingredients to reach a predeterminedtemperature, i.e., it may heat the ingredients faster than otherwise. Byway of a non-limiting example, the heat rise of liquid in the containermay be increased by more than 100% with use of the blending volumereduction device when it is positioned about one inch above the liquidduring the blending cycle. The blending volume reduction devicepositioned there reduces the room for the ingredients to splash up ordown. As such the heat rise may be increased by more than five timeswhat would otherwise be achieved without the blending volume reductiondevice.

Utilizing the blending volume reduction device within the container maynot only alter (e.g., decrease) the time necessary to blend ingredientsin the container, but it may also alter (e.g., decrease) the timenecessary to heat the ingredients in the container to a predeterminedtemperature. The blending volume reduction device allows for a much moreeffective and efficient blending cycle, including, without limitationheating thereof. The blending volume reduction device may be able tocreate a heated drink much more quickly than a blending device with onlya container.

In another aspect, a blending volume reduction device may be utilizedwith a personal or small format blending system. For instance, apersonal blending system may comprise a single service or cup likecontainer that may be attachable with a blade base. The container maycomprise a closed end and an open end. The open end may comprise athreaded portion or other means for attaching to the blade base. In anexample, a user may insert foodstuff into the single serving containerand may then attach the blade base to the container, such as by mating athreaded portion of the blade base with the threaded portion of thesingle serving container. According to one or more disclosed aspects, ablending volume reduction device (e.g., 30, 300, etc.) may be positionedinto the single serving container prior to inserting the foodstuff. Theblending volume reduction device may be positioned at a desired locationwithin the single serving container. Foodstuff may be added to thesingle serving container and the blade base may be attached thereto.Accordingly, the working volume of the single serving container may beadjusted.

In embodiments, a blending volume reduction device may reduce a workingvolume of a blending container in comparison to a working volume definedby attaching a lid to the container. The working volume may be reducedby a desired amount, such as by about or more than 90%, 75%, 50%, 25%,etc. It is noted that the percentage of reduction may be based on anamount of foodstuff within a container, a size of a container, or thelike.

FIGS. 22 and 23 depict blending volume reducing devices 1500 and 1600,in accordance with various embodiments disclosed herein. The blendingvolume reducing devices 1500 and 1600 may comprise protrusions or flowimpeding members which may extend towards bottom inner surfaced ofblending containers. In an aspect, the flow impeding members maycomprise various shapes and/or dimensions. It is noted that the blendingvolume reducing devices 1500 and 1600 may comprise any number of flowimpeding members. It is further noted that the flow impeding members maycomprise similar aspects and/or functionality as corner shield membersdescribed herein. In at least one embodiment, a blending volume reducingdevice may include corner shield members and flow impeding members.

With reference to FIG. 22, the blending volume reducing device 1500 mayinclude one or more apertures having a plug or lid that may seal the oneor more apertures. Furthermore, blending volume reducing device 1500 maycomprise a handle, such as shown in FIG. 23 and other describedembodiments. Blending volume reducing devices 1500 may include a covermember 1502 that may include a flange member 1510 and a seal member1512. In another aspect, blending volume reducing device 1500 mayinclude one or more protrusions or arms, such as arms 1520 and 1530,which may impede flow of material and reduce a working volume within ablending container, reduce a working volume, and/or may function asfinger holes to allow a user to manipulate the blending volume reducingdevice 1500. As described herein, blending volume reducing devices 1500may be configured to be removably inserted in or attached (e.g.,removably or irremovably) to a blending container. For instance, a usermay place blending volume reducing devices 1500 within a cavity of ablending container. Blending volume reducing devices 1500 may beconfigured to reduce a working volume of a blending container wheninserted in or attached to the blending container. For example, at leasta portion of cover member 1502 and/or arms 1520 and 1530 may be disposedwithin a cavity of a blending container. It is noted that blendingvolume reducing device 1500 may be utilized with various blendingcontainers (e.g., single serve containers, pitcher-shaped containers,bowl-shaped containers, etc.).

In at least one embodiment, blending volume reducing device 1500 maycomprise an axis W, and cover member 1502 may comprise an exteriorperimeter 1504 that circumscribes the axis W. In another aspect, theexterior perimeter 1504 that substantially matches an intermediate innerperimeter of a blending container in size and/or dimension. In anexample, an internal radial cross-sectional area of a blending containermay become smaller along the an axis of the container (e.g., as shown inFIG. 1) from the top to the bottom of the container, when the flowdirecting device 1500 is positioned into the container (e.g., such thatthe axis W is generally coaxial with an axis of a container), the covermember 1502 will rest at or match the intermediate inner perimeter ofthe container and be supported by the side walls of the container. Inanother aspect, flange 1510 may rest or contact a top lip of containerand may prevent blending volume reducing device 1300 from slipping orotherwise moving further in cavity than desired. Seal member 1512 mayhave an outer perimeter that is larger than intermediate innerperimeter. For instance, seal member 1512 may comprise an at leastpartially flexible or deformable material. When blending volume reducingdevice 1500 is positioned into or otherwise attached to the blendingcontainer, at least a portion of seal member 1512 may be deformed orotherwise altered such that the cavity is sealed or closed via sealmember 1512 and walls of the container 12. It is noted that seal member1512 and walls of the container 120 may form a seal that is air tight,liquid tight, or the like.

In at least one embodiment, the cover member 1502 may be additionally oralternatively supported by other means such as, for example, hooks thatare secured to top edges of the container's side walls, a handle, and/ora cover of a container. In another example, the cover member 1502 may beadditionally or alternatively supported by legs that may be supported bya container bottom. According to at least one embodiment, the covermember 1502 may be additionally or alternatively supported by formationsof the container, such as a stop or protrusion extending proximal to theintermediate inner perimeter of a container.

Arms 1520 and 1530 may protrude or extend from seal member 1520 towardsa container bottom when blending volume reducing device 1500 is attachedto or inserted into a container. In embodiments, at least one of arm1520 or arm 1530 may engage with one or more of flutes or other membersof a container. Engaging may include abutting or contacting flutes suchthat blending volume reducing device 1500, arm 1520, and/or arm 1530 issubstantially held in place during a blending process. During theblending process, foodstuff may be forced towards walls of a containerfrom a motion of the blade assembly. In an aspect, foodstuff may form avortex which may be substantially coaxial with the axis of a container(e.g., axis X of container 12). While a container may comprise featuresthat may force foodstuff towards a blade assembly, a user may desireincreased forcing of the foodstuff towards the blade assembly, such asto more efficiently blend a product. Thus, the user may utilize blendingvolume reducing device 1500. Arms 1520 and 1530 may fold or forcefoodstuff towards a blade assembly and may collapse the vortex. Forcingfoodstuff towards a blade assembly may result in increased amounts offoodstuff contacting blade assembly during a given period, may alter(e.g., reduce) overall blending time, may alter (e.g., reduce) timeneeded to impart heat in foodstuff, or may otherwise increaseefficiencies of a blending process.

Turning to FIG. 23, there is blending volume reducing device 1600. It isnoted that liked-named components of blending volume reducing device1600 and various other embodiments described herein may comprisesubstantially similar functionality or aspects. For instance, flange1510 and flange 1610 may comprise substantially similar functionality oraspects.

As depicted, blending volume reducing device 1600 may primarily includecover member 1602 (which may include flange 1610 and seal member 1612),handle 1640, and one or more arms (e.g., arm 1620). Furthermore,blending volume reducing device 1600 may include axis Q. It is notedthat blending volume reducing device 1600 may comprise other componentsnot shown for readability, such as an aperture that may facilitateadding ingredients to a blending container or manipulating ingredientswithin the blending container while blending volume reducing device 1600is attached to the blending container.

Arm member 1620 may comprise a generally solid material and may extendfrom cover member 1620 along axis Q to a terminal end 1622 or arm 1620.An exterior portion 1624 of arm 1620 and an interior portion of arm 1626may taper from cover member 1620 to terminal end 1622. For instance, across-section (e.g., cut perpendicularly from axis Q) of arm 1620 mayreduce in perimeter size from cover member 1620 along axis Q to theterminal end 1622. In another aspect, a perimeter of a cross-section ofarm 1620 may be generally triangular, generally elliptical, or maygenerally represent various other shapes.

In at least one embodiment, exterior portion 1624 may interlock orotherwise abut one or more flutes of a blending container when blendingvolume reducing device 1600 is attached to the blending container. Forexample, a user may attach blending volume reducing device 1600 tocontainer 12. The user may align blending volume reducing device 1600and container 12 such that axis Q and axis X are generally coaxial. Theuser may also align arm 1620 to contact at least one flute. Thus, whenblade assembly 160 rotates or otherwise blends foodstuff, arm 1620 maybe substantially prevented from moving or being displaced. In suchembodiments, arm 1620 may be substantially perpendicular to flutes of acontainer.

In various other embodiments, arm 1620 may be secured or substantiallyheld in place by one or more other means. For instance, arm 1620 maycomprise a groove or other feature that may receive at least a portionof a flute. In other examples, arm 1620 may be secured via hooks, clips,magnets, threaded members, or the like.

In embodiments, terminal end 1622 may be configured to avoid orotherwise not contact blades of a blade assembly (e.g., blade assembly16). In various embodiments, terminal end 1622 may comprise a cut-outconfiguration where a portion of terminal end 1622 is substantiallyremoved or void of material. For example, inner portion 1626 may have afirst length 1636 from cover member 1602 to terminal end 1622, andexterior portion 1624 may have a second length 1634 from cover member1602 to terminal end 1622. The first length 1636 may be smaller than thesecond length 1634. In another aspect, terminal end 1622 may berelatively straight or curved (e.g., concave, convex, etc.). In someembodiments, arm 1626 may be configured such that terminal end 1622avoids the highest vertical point of blade assembly. It is also notedthat terminal end 1622 may rest or be pressed against a feature of acontainer.

It should be understood that the blending volume reduction device maytake any appropriate configuration. Those shown herein are merelyexemplary. The blending volume reduction device is useful in reducingthe working volume of the container so that as the blending deviceblends in the reduced working volume, the blending operation is moreefficient and effective.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the present disclosurewithout departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Thus, itis intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications andvariations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A blending system comprising: a containercomprising a cavity; a rotating assembly disposed within the cavity; anda blending volume reduction device operatively insertable within thecavity to alter a working volume of the container.
 2. The blendingsystem of claim 1, wherein the rotating assembly comprises a blade, andwherein the working volume is defined by the volume of space within thecavity that is exposed to the blade.
 3. The blending system of claim 1,wherein the blending volume reduction device comprises a cover memberconfigured to contact at least a portion of an inner wall of thecontainer.
 4. The blending system of claim 3, wherein the cover membercomprises at least one aperture.
 5. The blending system of claim 4,further comprising a plug member configured to selectively cover the atleast one aperture.
 6. The blending system of claim 3, wherein theblending volume reduction device further comprises a handle.
 7. Theblending system of claim 6, wherein the handle is removably attached tothe blending volume reduction device.
 8. The blending system of claim 6,wherein a length of the handle is adjustable.
 9. The blending system ofclaim 6, wherein the handle comprises an engagement member configured toengage with an engagement member of the container, wherein the blendingvolume reduction device is held in a position when the engagement memberof the handle engages with the engagement member of the container. 10.The blending system of claim 6, further comprising a lever membercomprising a handle that is operatively hingedly attached to thecontainer, wherein the lever is configured to transfer force to thehandle to alter a position of the blending volume reduction device. 11.The blending system of claim 1, wherein a perimeter of the blendingvolume reduction device mechanically nests with an intermediateperimeter of the container.
 12. The blending system of claim 11, whereinthe blending volume reduction device further comprises a seal memberdisposed about at least a portion of the perimeter of the blendingvolume reduction device.
 13. A blender comprising: a base, the basecomprising a motor; a container, the container comprising a closed endand a side wall extending upwardly from said closed end and terminatingat an open end; and a blending volume reduction device operativelyinserted within the container, the blending volume reduction devicecomprising a cover member having a perimeter, wherein the perimeter ofthe blending volume reduction device is configured to contact the sidewalls, and wherein the blending volume reduction device is positionablebetween the closed end and the open end.
 14. The blender of claim 13,wherein the side wall are generally parallel therewith.
 15. The blenderof clam 13, wherein the perimeter of the blending volume reductiondevice is similar in shape to an inner perimeter of the side wall of thecontainer.
 16. The blender of claim 15, wherein the container comprisesat least one rib protruding from the side wall.
 17. The blender of claim13, wherein the container comprises at least one protrusion extendingfrom the side wall, the protrusion configured to prevent the blendingvolume reduction device from being inserted past a determined length.18. The blender of claim 13, wherein the blending volume reductiondevice further comprises at least one shield member extending from thecover member, wherein when the blending volume reduction device isinserted into the container, the shield member extends from the covermember towards the side wall.
 19. The blender of claim 18, wherein theshield member comprises a curved surface that faces an axis of thecontainer when the blending volume reduction device is inserted in thecontainer.
 20. A blending volume reduction device for use with ablending container, the blending volume reduction device comprising: acover member comprising a main body; at least one side wall extendinggenerally perpendicular from a perimeter of the main body; and a sealmember extending from the at least one side walls, wherein the sealmember is configured to form a seal with the blending container when theblending volume reduction device is positioned in the blendingcontainer.
 21. The blending volume reduction device of claim 20, whereinthe seal member is further configured to form the seal a distance froman open end of the blending container to reduce a working volume of theblending container.
 22. The blending volume reduction device of claim20, wherein the seal member comprises a perimeter configured to engagewith an intermediate inner perimeter of the blending container to reducea time of a blending process.
 23. The blending volume reduction deviceof claim 20, wherein the blending volume reduction device ispositionable within the blending container to increase a temperature ofa blended product.